Ascension

by Brennan Murphey

Spiritual Ascension Across Traditions: A Journey Toward Higher Awareness

Introduction

Spiritual ascension is often described as the process of rising into higher states of consciousness and awareness, transcending the limitations of the ego, and aligning more fully with the divine. While the term is modern and popularized in New Age circles, the essence of spiritual ascension has been part of the spiritual DNA of humanity for millennia. Across diverse traditions—Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and others—spiritual ascension takes on different names, languages, and metaphors, but the underlying goal is consistent: union with the Divine, liberation of the soul, and realization of the true self.

This article explores spiritual ascension through the lenses of these ancient traditions, highlighting their practices, philosophies, and the role of spiritual teachers in accelerating the path to enlightenment.

1. Ascension in Christianity: Theosis and Christ-Consciousness

In Christian mysticism, spiritual ascension is closely linked to the concept of "Theosis" or divinization. The Eastern Orthodox Church teaches that through purification, illumination, and union, human beings can become partakers of the divine nature, as echoed in 2 Peter 1:4. The journey begins with repentance and purification of the soul, followed by illumination through prayer, scripture, and sacraments, and ultimately, union with God.

Jesus Christ serves not only as Savior but also as the archetype of ascended consciousness. The Ascension of Christ—his rising into heaven post-resurrection—is both literal and symbolic, representing the soul's return to God. Christian mystics like Meister Eckhart and St. John of the Cross describe a transformative process that leads beyond the ego and into divine union. For them, spiritual practice involved contemplative prayer, solitude, fasting, and surrender.

Modern Christian mystics may speak of "Christ-consciousness" as a universal state of love, grace, and unity, which transcends religious boundaries. This view aligns Christian ascension with a more universal spiritual awakening.

2. Ascension in Judaism: Kabbalistic Climbing of the Tree of Life

In Jewish mysticism, particularly within the Kabbalah, spiritual ascension is visualized through the Tree of Life—a symbolic diagram of divine emanations (Sefirot) that map the soul's journey back to the Ein Sof, the Infinite Source. The ascent through the Sefirot involves deep inner work, purification, and alignment with divine attributes such as wisdom (Chokhmah), understanding (Binah), mercy (Chesed), and so on.

The path is rigorous and structured, often requiring years of study and discipline. Techniques include meditation on Hebrew letters, sacred texts, and divine names. Prayer (Tefillah), ethical behavior, and Torah study are foundational. The goal is Devekut—cleaving to God—a mystical union that brings both awe and love.

Jewish sages like Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Arizal) spoke of "raising the sparks," referring to the soul's mission to restore divine light trapped in the material world. This spiritual rectification (Tikkun) is both personal and collective.

A spiritual teacher (Rebbe or Kabbalist) is crucial in Kabbalah. Without guidance, one may misinterpret mystical truths or suffer spiritual imbalance. The teacher provides both interpretive clarity and energetic transmission.

3. Ascension in Buddhism: Enlightenment and Liberation from Samsara

Buddhism offers one of the clearest frameworks for spiritual ascension, not as rising to a higher place, but as awakening from illusion (Maya) and attaining Nirvana—a state free from suffering, craving, and the cycle of rebirth (Samsara). The Buddha's own path models the ascension journey: from worldly prince to awakened sage.

The Eightfold Path offers a practical guide: right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Meditation (especially Vipassana and Zen) is a central practice, fostering insight into the impermanent, interdependent, and empty nature of all things.

Ascension in Buddhism is the disidentification with the ego and the realization of "anatta" or non-self. The result is boundless compassion (Karuna) and wisdom (Prajna).

Teachers or Gurus (Lamas, Zen Masters, Theravada monks) are pivotal. A realized teacher transmits Dharma beyond words, through presence and insight. The student-teacher relationship is sacrosanct, often requiring years of commitment.

4. Ascension in Hinduism: Self-Realization and Union with Brahman

In Hinduism, spiritual ascension is the soul's journey toward Moksha—liberation from the cycle of birth and death, and the realization of its identity with Brahman, the Supreme Reality. This process is articulated through various yogic paths: Jnana Yoga (path of knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (path of devotion), Karma Yoga (path of action), and Raja Yoga (path of meditation).

The Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Vedanta philosophy provide the metaphysical and practical framework. In these teachings, the Atman (individual soul) is not different from Brahman, and the perceived separation is due to ignorance (Avidya). Through discernment, meditation, and surrender, the aspirant ascends to self-realization.

Chakras and Kundalini energy are also significant in Hindu spirituality. The awakening of Kundalini—a dormant spiritual energy at the base of the spine—and its ascent through the chakras symbolizes the progressive unfolding of divine consciousness.

A realized Guru is considered essential in many lineages. The Guru dispels darkness (Gu) and brings light (Ru), guiding the disciple through direct transmission, Shaktipat (energy initiation), and instruction.

5. Common Threads in Spiritual Ascension

Despite differences in cosmology and language, several commonalities unite these paths:

• Purification: Whether through repentance, meditation, ethical living, or ritual, purification is the foundation.

• Practice: Daily spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, mantra, or study create the inner conditions for ascension.

• Disidentification with Ego: Every path calls for transcending the ego and its illusions.

• Union with the Divine: The ultimate aim is reunion with God, Brahman, the Infinite, or one's true nature.

• Role of the Teacher: All traditions emphasize the importance of a guide, whose realization anchors and accelerates the student’s journey.

6. Accelerating Ascension Through Spiritual Teachers

While personal effort is indispensable, a spiritual teacher often catalyzes ascension by:

• Providing direct transmission of spiritual energy and insight.

• Correcting misunderstandings that can stall or mislead the seeker.

• Modeling the goal through their own state of being.

• Offering tailored practices suited to the student's temperament and stage.

In Eastern traditions, this is called satsang or being in the presence of truth. In Western contexts, it might be called mentorship, discipleship, or spiritual direction.

The key is vibrational entrainment: the student begins to resonate at a higher frequency simply through proximity to the teacher.

7. Raising Self-Awareness: The Inner Compass of Ascension

Spiritual ascension is not a flight from life but a deepening into it. Raising self-awareness is both the path and the fruit of ascension. This includes:

• Recognizing and transforming subconscious patterns.

• Observing thoughts and emotions without identification.

• Cultivating presence and inner silence.

• Listening to intuition and inner guidance.

Modern psychological and somatic tools can complement ancient practices. Shadow work, trauma integration, and breathwork can remove inner blocks to ascension.

Conclusion: The Path Is One, Though Many Are the Ways

Spiritual ascension is a universal impulse embedded in the human soul—the longing to return home to the Divine. While each tradition offers a unique map, the terrain is shared. Whether we speak of Christ-consciousness, Devekut, Nirvana, or Moksha, we point to the same luminous summit.

By engaging in consistent spiritual practice, raising our self-awareness, and walking with a realized teacher, we accelerate our journey. Ultimately, ascension is not escape but embodiment: the descent of divine awareness into the vessel of the human form, so that Heaven and Earth meet within.

In the end, to ascend is to become fully alive, fully awake, and fully love.